PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN (Code 15834)
Principal Environmental Technician is a state title in New Jersey's competitive civil service, which means the way in is an open exam rather than a direct appointment.
Candidates need a high school diploma and 3 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $63,663 to $92,953.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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See where to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction of an Engineer, Environmental Specialist, or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, does highly skilled and technical field or office work in connection with a difficult phase of environmental studies, investigation, and inspection work; does related work as required.
Examples of work
- Independently performs skilled and technical field or office work in connection with a phase of environmental engineering or environmental quality investigation and inspection work.
- Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates.
- Supervises the maintenance of records of samples, monitoring data, and specimens in accordance with esatablished procedures.
- Supervises the collecting and recording of factual data.
- Operates and maintains specialized control and testing equipment and miscellaneous recording devices and measuring instruments, and makes difficult calibrating adjustments, performs normal preventive maintenance thereon.
- Prepares reports of inspections, investigations, and environmental surveys.
- Collects and analyzes field or traffic data necessary for the preparation of environmental reoprts.
- Operates and supervises the operation of equipment used for measurement of water, noise, and air pollutant levels.
- Supervises the collecting of water, noise, air pollutant, or other related data required for environmental studies.
- Performs complex technical calculations related to analysis of water, noise, and air impacts.
- Supervises field crews consisting of several technicians in performing onsite testing for archaeological sites.
- Makes mathematical computations and laboratory analyses.
- Sets up and maintains equipment at designated monitoring sites.
- Prepares maps, graphs, and charts associated with environmental studies.
- Trains subordinate technicians as required.
- Maintains essential records and files.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information system used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Satisfactory completion of courses in mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, and geometry) and sciences (physics, geology, chemistry) normally required in various High School level college preparatory curriculum.
Experience
Three (3) years of experience performing field inspections, investigations, and surveys, operating measuring, recording, or testing equipment, and/or other work in sub-professional environmental disciplines (air, noise, water pollution) or related work.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the fundamental concepts and principles of environmental investigations, inspections, and sampling techniques. Knowledge of the legal requirements and procedures for collecting and preparing samples and specimens and of proper storage and transportation methods. Knowledge of the use of the specific equipment and recording, measuring, and testing devices used in the environmental quality program, and the routine maintenance and field calibration of equipment and devices. Knowledge of advanced field techniques used in the collection of environmental data. Knowledge of map, chart, and diagram interpretation and the making of computations. Ability to learn to recognize in the field the significance of cultural remains and artifacts. Ability to make assigned investigations and inspections, working either alone or as one of a group, and to collect and transport samples and specimens to laboratories. Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral and written directions and to learn quickly from oral and written explanations. Ability to operate, calibrate, and perform maintenance service on equipment and devices. Ability to perform drafting operations, to read and interpret maps, diagrams, and charts correctly and to make related computations. Ability to perform duties in hazardous environments when assigned to a team conducting transportation related environmental studies. Ability to work alone or as one of a team and to work harmoniously with coworkers and members of the public and other agencies. Ability to train and/or supervise the work of subordinate technicians. Ability to observe established safety rules and precautions. Ability to make required mathematical calculations and laboratory analyses. Ability to collect extensive data and prepare accurate reports based thereon. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range
Note
Applicants who do not possess the required experience may substitute college credits in natural, chemical, environmental, biological, or engineering sciences on a year-for-year basis up to two years. (Twenty-two semester hours in the above technical subjects and eight semester hours in general subjects equal one (1) year of college credits.) SC4019N/AR20-SC3519N/AR18- This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. JMR 06/12/1994